2023 Texas Freestyle Textiles Retreat
Nov 01 - 04, 2023
About the Retreat
It’s that time again! November seems like a long way off, but for our retreat planning team, it feels like it’s just around the corner. This is our third year for the Texas Freestyle Textiles Retreat, and we honestly believe it’s going to be the best one yet!
What’s New for This Year’s Retreat!
For those new to our textile events, our 2023 Texas Freestyle Textiles Retreat is a celebration of freestyle fiber, cloth, basketry, and mixed media art! Attendees will have an opportunity to sample many forms of creative expression, explore different textile media with their hands and hearts, and perhaps find a new or expanded way to express oneself artistically. We’re extremely proud of our class offerings this year, and we’re providing the opportunity for participants to have more of an immersive experience with our full-day class format on Thursday and Friday. On Saturday we’ll have a variety of 3-hour “Make and Take” classes to choose from.
Each year we’ve expanded our offerings, and this year we’re very pleased to announce that in addition to classes taught by Kathy Rothstein, Debra Lambert, and myself, we’ve added some fiber arts “rock stars” as headliners for this event!
More Than Just Textiles!
Since our retreat is on the first weekend in November this year, it coincides with the famous “Wimberley Market Days” event on Saturday, November 3rd. We’re providing a complimentary shuttle between the Community Center and Market Days for retreat attendees, running between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. Enjoy a bustling shopping experience, live music, and great food! From 12:00 to 3:00 pm, we’ll have a fresh lineup of classes, plus more shopping opportunities at our Maker’s Market! We’ll wrap it up at 3:00 pm, at which point you’ll be free to browse Wimberley’s many charming shops or visit the popular Blue Hole park, to name just a few of the attractions of our town.
We hope this retreat and the changes we’ve made will inspire our fiber friends from previous retreats to return, and also attract those who couldn’t make it or didn’t know about it last year. Please pass along this info to your friends and look for our posts on social media!
Be sure to connect with us on Instagram @texasfreestyletextiles for important retreat news and updates, as we’ll be posting frequently!
Retreat Details
When: Wednesday, November 1 – Saturday, November 4, 2023
Welcome Event Location: The Shady Llama | 18325 Ranch Rd. 12, Wimberley, TX
Retreat Location: Wimberley Community Center | 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676
General Schedule:
- Wednesday 11/1 “Welcome Event” and retreat check-in from 5:00 to 6:30 pm
- Thursday 11/2
Full-day classes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (lunch provided)
Maker’s Market Shopping opens at 12:00 noon - Friday 11/3
Full-day classes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (lunch provided)
Maker’s Market Shopping opens at 9:00 am - Saturday 11/4
Maker’s Market Shopping opens at 9:00 am
Teacher’s “office hours” for individual help and Q&A from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Afternoon classes from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm
Retreat concludes at 3:00 pm
Detailed Retreat Schedule
Wednesday, Nov 1
| 5:30 – 6:30 pm | Welcome Event at The Shady Llama
Location: 18325 Ranch Rd. 12, Wimberley, TX |
Thursday, Nov 2
| 9:00 – 4:00 pm | Full-Day Workshops (choose one):
A. Basket Weaving: The Appalachian Potato Basket w/ Cindy Pauchey B. Eco Dyeing in a Pot w/ Barbara Attwell C. Experience SAORI Weaving w/ Kathy Utts D. Knitting Workshop: Hill Country Cowled Cape w/ Debra Lambert |
| 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm | Maker’s Market shopping open |
Friday, Nov 3
| 9:00 – 4:00 pm | Full-Day Workshops (choose one):
A. Basket Weaving: The Appalachian Potato Basket w/ Cindy Pauchey B. Knitting Workshop: Butterfly Shawl w/ Debra Lambert C. Plunge Into Wet Felting! w/ Barbara Attwell D. Experience SAORI Weaving w/ Kathy Utts |
| 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | Maker’s Market shopping open |
Saturday, Nov 4
| 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Free shuttle to/from Wimberley Market Days |
| 9:00 am – 3:00 pm | Maker’s Market shopping open |
| 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Special Spinning Demo! Our friend and amazing fiber artist Mary Toon (aka: Butterfly Girl) will be conducting hand spinning demos using a spinning wheel. She will be showcasing her beautiful hand-dyed rovings and art batts (available for purchase at her booth in the Maker’s Market) as she demonstrates the making of “art yarn.” Learn how she constructs bobbles and coils, integrates sheep and mohair locks, and creatively plies it all together! Mary will offer tips and answer questions! *Feel free to bring your own spinning wheel and play with other spinners at our Fiber Lounge! |
| 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Silent Auction! Proceeds donated to WAG (Wimberley Adoption Group) Dog Rescue and Rehabilitation |
| 10:00 am – 3:00 pm | Teacher’s “office hours” for individual help and Q&A |
| 12:00 – 3:00 pm | Afternoon Workshops:
A. A Taste of Saori Weaving w/ Kathy Utts B. Knitting Workshops, Part 2 (Continuation of Thursday &Friday’s classes) w/ Debra Lambert C. Creative Mending: Japanese Inspiration w/ Kathy Rothstein D. Freestyle Fanciful Fabric Collage Class w/ Karen Smith E. Learn Rug Hooking w/ Jennifer Kulick F. Weave Using Paper and Found Objects w/ Sandra Doak |
| 3:00 pm | Retreat concludes |
Lodging & Overnight Accommodations:
Wimberley has a number of wonderful lodging options with varied price points. Lodging arrangements are not part of our retreat registration. We recommend that you make your own lodging reservations ASAP, since our local bed & breakfasts, AirBNBs and inns typically fill up months in advance! As a point of reference as you search for lodging, our event location is close to Cypress Creek and the Wimberley Shopping District (a.k.a. “the Square”).
Lodging information links below:
Meals:
Lunch is provided on-site Thursday and Friday. Breakfast and dinner are on your own. We encourage dining with friends and enjoying our local restaurants and shops, located just a short walk from our retreat venue to Wimberley’s downtown. Not all restaurants accept reservations, but we are ending our classes in time for you to make early reservations or get on restaurant wait lists and experience the local charm with a beverage while you wait or stroll.
You might want to Google “Good Restaurants in Wimberley” for links to restaurants in the area or try a few of our favorites around the Square:
Cost:
- Entry to our Welcome Event on Wednesday evening, including a complimentary drink ticket
- 2½ days of classes, activities and demos to choose from
- All supplies needed for classes — that means no additional class supply fees this year!
- Complimentary shuttle to our renowned Wimberley Market Day on Saturday morning for shopping, live music and FUN!
- Free access to our on-site Maker’s Market Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
- Delicious boxed lunches Thursday and Friday
- Complimentary coffee and tea beverage station
- Complimentary snacks and cold beverages
- Free and convenient parking for the event
- 1 day of classes, activities and demos to choose from
- All supplies needed for classes — that means no additional class supply fees this year!
- Free access to our on-site Maker’s Market on the day you register for
- Delicious boxed lunch
- Complimentary coffee and tea beverage station
- Complimentary snacks and cold beverages
- Free and convenient parking for the event
- 1 day of half-day classes, activities and demos to choose from
- All supplies needed for classes — that means no additional class supply fees this year!
- Complimentary shuttle to our renowned Wimberley Market Day on Saturday morning for shopping, live music and FUN!
- Free access to our on-site Maker’s Market on Saturday
- Free and convenient parking for the event
Registration Process:
Once registered for the retreat, you’ll receive a confirmation email that will include a link to our class offerings, where you may indicate your preferences. Someone on our team will contact you within 2 work days to discuss or confirm your choices and suggest alternative classes if we have exceeded our class limit for that particular class.
A Note About This Year’s Fee
For those of you who attended one of our previous retreats, you may be surprised to see that we’ve significantly raised our registration fee this year. People talk about the rising cost of things, and I’ll agree that has been true for us as we’ve rebooked the Community Center, priced caterers, and examined other various necessary costs of inviting amazing teachers, bringing in more vendors for our Maker’s Market, and putting on a super event. We’ve also looked at similar retreats around the country, and we were shocked to see how low our previous registration fees were in comparison.
All things considered, we feel that our 2023 registration fee is fair, and it supports our intention to offer the most inspiring and enriching textile event yet! Plus, we’ve also included ALL class supply fees into the main registration fee, so there will be no extra add-on expenses this year! It is my sincere wish that you will appreciate the value we’ve added, and that you’ll join us in November!
What to Bring
Wimberley is a casual town, and Wimberley Square is easily walkable in comfortable shoes. Restaurants generally do not have dress requirements. Most public places have wifi.
Bring whatever comforts you in the evenings, early morning, or any down time. If you are already a “maker” of fiber art, bring your works-in-progress! If you spin your own yarn, bring your wheel or drop spindle!
Our freestyle workshops may have their own “What to Bring” list, so be sure to take note of those items for any workshops you are registered for.
Retreat Classes:
Thursday Full-Day Classes:
Basket Weaving: The Appalachian Potato Basket w/ Cindy Pauchey
Eco Dyeing in a Pot w/ Barbara Attwell
Experience SAORI Weaving w/ Kathy Utts
Knitting Workshop: Hill Country Cowled Cape w/ Debra Lambert
Friday Full-Day Classes:
Basket Weaving: The Appalachian Potato Basket w/ Cindy Pauchey
Knitting Workshop: Butterfly Shawl w/ Debra Lambert
Plunge Into Wet Felting! w/ Barbara Attwell
Experience SAORI Weaving w/ Kathy Utts
Saturday Afternoon Classes:
A Taste of Saori Weaving w/ Kathy Utts
Knitting Workshops, Part 2 (Optional continuation of Thursday and Friday’s classes) w/ Debra Lambert
Creative Mending: Japanese Inspiration w/ Kathy Rothstein
Freestyle Fanciful Fabric Collage Class w/ Karen Smith
Learn Rug Hooking w/ Jennifer Kulick
Weave Using Paper and Found Objects w/ Sandra Doak
*Please Note: Some of these classes may have their own “What to Bring” list, so be sure to take note of those items for any workshops you are planning to register for.
A Taste of SAORI Weavingwith Kathy Utts, Instructor
Begin your SAORI journey in this introductory class that highlights the limitless creativity of weaving freestyle! We will explore the forgiving, “no-mistakes” nature of SAORI weaving as we experiment with techniques, texture, and of course, color! Focus is placed on the unique aspects of the user-friendly SAORI loom that will make your weaving experience so easy and enjoyable!
Pre-warped SAORI looms and all the weaving supplies will be provided for your creative discovery, and each participant will go home with their own unique piece of art!
Skills Needed: None! This class is for the absolute beginner.
What to Bring: All materials are provided!
Basket Weaving: The Appalachian Potato Basket with Cindy Pauchey, Instructor
Welcome to the wonderful world of basket weaving! Get ready to dive into the creative process and discover the beauty of crafting your own baskets. First, we’ll learn how to weave a “God’s Eye” basket, starting with the basket’s “ear,” which plays a crucial role in the basket’s structure, holding the primary and secondary ribs together, serving as a sturdy foundation.
After weaving all the ribs in place, we will finish by weaving both sides to meet in the middle to complete the basket.
Next, we’ll practice everything we’ve just learned by making a second basket, this time in a smaller size. The Appalachian melon basket we’ll be creating gets its name from the skilled artisans of the Appalachian mountains who originally created them. This particular style is known for its simplicity and charm, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
As we explore the art of basket weaving in this class, we hope you’ll enjoy every moment and appreciate the rich tradition behind it!
Skills Needed: None!
What to Bring: All materials are provided!
Knitting Workshop: Butterfly Shawlwith Debra Lambert, Instructor &a “special guest,” TBA
Are you ready to embark on a delightful knitting journey? With a solid foundation in knitting, you’ll have the freedom to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece comprised of your favorite colors and textures. Watch your creative process come to life as you let your yarns and textures guide you towards their “fluttering butterfly” form.
During the workshop, you’ll learn how to showcase your yarn selections by incorporating different design elements into your butterfly shawl. With yarn from your own stash collection (or ours!) as both the main color, accent colors, and border, you’ll explore, experiment, and unleash your creativity!
Don’t worry if you’re unsure about which yarns to choose or how to get started. We’ll have convenient kits available, ensuring you have everything you need to dive into this enchanting project. Get ready to knit, explore, and let your imagination soar as you bring your butterfly shawl to life!
** Students are free to sign up for both Thursday and Friday knitting workshops, or just the one they’re most interested in. An optional “part 2” continuation workshop will be offered on Saturday for students who want additional time to work on their project(s) and consult with Debra. This Saturday workshop will be a continuation for both the Butterfly Shawl and Hill Country Cowled Cape classes.
Skills Needed: Intermediate knitting skills
What to Bring:
- Size US10.75 circular needle, at least 24” long
- If you want to bring your own yarn, you’ll need at least 1000 yds for your main color, 600 yds for the border, and small amounts of random yarn for added accents (but we will also have kits available for those who don’t want to bring their own yarn)
Knitting Workshop: Hill Country Cowled Cape with Debra Lambert, Instructor &a “special guest,” TBA
For those knitters who are “advanced beginners,” interested in bringing more artful elements into their knitted work, we’re offering this second knitting workshop option, the Hill Country Cowled Cape. Using three basic stitches —stockinet, purl, and seed stitch —you can create this gorgeous cowled cape by raiding your yarn stash at home and supplementing with various random colors and textures, thickness, and fiber content for a one-of-a-kind garment you’ll be proud of!
This class is the epitome of “FreeStyle,” and you’ll be guided step by step, until you feel confident to explore and finish this piece at home after the retreat.
** Students are free to sign up for both Thursday and Friday knitting workshops, or just the one they’re most interested in. An optional “part 2” continuation workshop will be offered on Saturday for students who want additional time to work on their project(s) and consult with Debra. This Saturday workshop will be a continuation for both the Butterfly Shawl and Hill Country Cowled Cape classes.
Skills Needed: Advanced beginner knitting skills
What to Bring:
- Size US10 circular needles, 20” and 24” long
- Raid you stash! Choose colors that excite you, in both solids, handpainted, and variegated. Don’t try to stick to a certain weight, because in this project gauge doesn’t matter much. You can use bulky, worsted, DK, fingering, ribbon, handspun, mohair, etc. Much of the time you’ll run two threads together to create interesting color patterns. We’ll have a table full of yarn bits and bobs from which to choose for interesting accents. Ultimately, you’ll need a total of approximately 850-900 yds, depending on your yarn choices.
*Remember: Vendors at our Maker’s Market will be happy to make suggestions from their products that might add that special “WOW factor” to your project! It’s FUN! It’s ART!
Creative Mending: Japanese Inspiration with Kathy Rothstein, Instructor
What is sashiko? Boro? Are they the same thing as “slow stitching?” Learn something about these Japanese traditions, while exploring a few techniques to mend and embellish your own clothing.
You will receive a kit with everything needed for home repair of your jeans, jackets, or shirts. However, in this class, we will not be mending our own garments. Instead, we will create a denim sampler “patch” that you can take home, displaying three different mending stitches.
Skills Needed: Must be comfortable working with a needle and thread
What to Bring: All materials are provided!
Eco Dyeing in a Pot with Barbara Attwell, Instructor
Ecoprinting uses only nature to make prints. Leaves are gathered from the landscape, garden, and kitchen, laid down on silk, bundled around a stick, and then simmered in a primordial soup of natural elements such as rust, walnut bark, and acorns. The colors are drawn from the vegetation and permanently affixed to the scarf. The results are beautiful, and the process is always described as “magic.”
The class starts by learning what leaves and flowers print well, and the various methods of arranging them onto a 14” x 70” silk scarf. This bundle is then simmered in a special formula of all-natural elements that uses everyday materials – no harsh, store-bought dye chemicals are ever used. This mixture draws out and permanently fixes the colors from the vegetation onto the scarf. You will go home with a beautiful silk scarf and the confidence to repeat the process at home.
A 14” x 17” silk charmeuse scarf and all other needed materials will be provided.
Skills Needed: None!
What to Bring: Optional: a small amount of any interesting vegetation from your yard
Experience SAORI Weaving with Kathy Utts, Instructor
Get started or expand your weaving journey with SAORI! In this full-day class, Kathy will introduce the beautiful history behind SAORI and Japanese founder Misao Jo’s unique approach to weaving, and how Misao became one of the most globally influential weavers of all time.
Emphasizing Misao’s philosophy and the four SAORI slogans, participants will explore the forgiving, “no-mistakes” nature of SAORI weaving as we experiment with techniques, texture, and of course, color! Focus is also placed on the unique aspects of the user-friendly SAORI loom that will make your weaving experience so easy and enjoyable!
Pre-warped SAORI looms will be available for those new to SAORI weaving. We invite those who have their own SAORI looms to please bring them (please let us know when you register). All materials will be provided for your creative discovery, and you will complete the class with a one-of-a-kind expression of your unique self!
**Optional: If you prefer to have a more thorough SAORI weaving experience with Kathy, you can choose both Thursday and Friday SAORI classes to build on techniques and cloth length. If you choose this option, please indicate that preference on the class sign-up form after you register.
Skills Needed: None! This introductory class is for the absolute beginner or those fairly new to freestyle weaving.
What to Bring: All materials are provided! Just come to have fun! (Optional: If you have your own SAORI loom and would like to bring it, please feel free to bring it (please let us know when you register)
Freestyle Fanciful Fabric Collage Class with Karen Smith,Instructor
Unleash your creativity with a small collage art quilt that requires no rulers, piecing, or sewing! This “freestyle” wall hanging is all about artistic freedom.
Bring your favorite photo – a landscape or a portrait or even a self-portrait – or simply let your imagination soar as we explore the versatility of Pellon’s Wonder Under, a fusible web product used for bonding fabrics together. We’ll talk about the nature of creativity, and where and how we find it in our lives.
I’ll provide an 18″ x 20″ canvas for you to work on, along with an abundance of Wonder Under 805. (Please DO NOT buy or bring any fusible products—everyone will use the same material.) While I’ll supply plenty of pre-fused fabrics for your collage, you are welcome to bring small pieces of your own favorite fabrics to incorporate. We’ll provide irons, protective silicone sheets, and plenty of Wonder Under for you to fuse your own fabrics in the classroom.
In class, you’ll have plenty of time to complete your collage, resulting in a stunning “art quilt” ready to hang on your wall! You may want to add stitching later, but it’s not necessary. All you need is your creative muse, a pencil, and scissors. Get ready for a truly enjoyable and effortless freestyle class that will spark your imagination!
Skills Needed: None!
What to Bring:
- Your joyful creativity
- Two pencils
- A favorite photograph
- Your favorite paper-friendly scissors (put your name on them!)
- A small amount of your favorite fabrics (not yards!)
- Embroidery thread and needles
- Embellishments such as beads, lace, ribbon, etc., and appropriate glue to attach them, if you don’t plan to sew them on
- Special papers can also be fused on the collage
- Please do not bring paint, but art fabric markers are allowed
Learn Rug Hooking with Jennifer Kulick, Instructor
Traditional rug hooking is a form of art that began out of necessity in the 19th century. Today, rug hooking (or wool hooking) is of course still used to make actual rugs, but more often, rug hookers like to create “rugs that artfully hang on walls!” Strips of wool fabric (or sometimes yarn) are pulled through a sturdy foundation cloth, such as monks cloth or linen, with rug hooks. It’s fun and is yet another way to express your creativity in the genre of fiber art!
In this class, students will learn the principles of wool hooking by working on a small project, a “mug rug” coaster, which will provide the opportunity to use special cutters, become comfortable using the rug hook, and experience and explore textural designs. Come discover the joys of freestyle hooking with wool!
Skills Needed: None!
What to Bring: All materials are provided!
Plunge Into Wet Felting! with Barbara Attwell, Instructor
Wool is beautiful, colorful, and organic, and its magic lies in its ability to take on just about any shape. In this class, discover the captivating art of wet felting and unlock this magical transformation of wool!
The process starts by laying down rows of fine, vibrantly colored merino wool, and with the use of warm, soapy water and plenty of rubbing and rolling, the fibers will be transformed into a strong and beautiful shape.
Felting has been used for centuries to create marvelous and functional creations like yurts, hats, and shoes, and now you can experience its timeless charm firsthand. Working with wool provides a uniquely primal and immersive experience, where you’ll get a little wet, a little soapy, and be awestruck by the sheer magic of the process. Join us for a truly delightful and transformative adventure into the world of felting!
In the first part of the workshop, “Wet Felting a Vessel,” you’ll learn the fundamentals of 3D felting, allowing you to create unique bowls, pods, or birdhouses. Dive into topics like sourcing wool, using a resist, color layering, and attaching stems or tendrils.
In the second part of the workshop, “Wet Felting Surface and Texture,” you’ll create a stunning flat wall-hanging or vessel while exploring advanced techniques, such as working with complex resists, incorporating pockets, voids, bumps, and tentacles, enhancing texture with materials like silk, sheep curls, and wool nubs, working with prefelts, and adding natural objects such as seaweed, stones, or shells to your creations.
Skills Needed: None!
What to Bring: Please bring 2 towels
Weave Using Paper and Found Objects with Sandra Doak, Instructor
Did you know that you can weave with paper and other interesting materials found in your back yard or other surroundings? Join us for a delightful weaving adventure where you’ll create something truly beautiful using paper, twigs, feathers, beads, raffia, yarn, found objects, or whatever strikes your fancy. Let your imagination soar as you incorporate these items and textured surprises into your unique masterpiece. Whether you prefer vibrant colors or a more natural and subdued look, the choice is yours!
No prior experience is needed. After a brief introduction, you’ll have the opportunity to start weaving on a pre-warped loom provided for each student—no setup required, it’s ready to go! We’ll have an abundance of supplies available for you to unleash your creativity and craft your one-of-a-kind woven artwork.
Feel free to bring any additional materials that you’d like to incorporate into your piece, and if you need inspiration, take a refreshing walk in nature to spark your creativity! Get ready to make art and weave a unique masterpiece that truly reflects your individual style and imagination!
Skills Needed: None!
What to Bring: None necessary, but feel free to bring any materials from your home or yard that you’d like to incorporate into your weaving!
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations received before October 1, 2023 will be eligible for a full reimbursement of payment. After this date, no refunds will be issued.
